There is a lot of money to be made in the horse reining industry. Horse owners and trainers who are able to win championships can make a very good living.
But to get to that level takes a lot of effort, sources, and money. To get started in the industry, you will need to purchase a good-quality horse.
Which begs the question, how much does a reining horse cost?
The price of a reining horse can vary depending on the bloodlines, training, experience, and more. Generally speaking, though, you can expect to pay anywhere over $10,000 for a quality reining horse.
Understanding the basics of what goes into the price of a reining horse, you can get an idea of how much you might expect to pay.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the key things that affect the cost of a reining horse and provide some ballpark estimates. So, if you’re curious to know more about how much a reining horse costs, read on!
Check out this article If you’re interested in finding Best Bits For Neck Reining.
Contents
What is a Reining Horse?
A reining horse is a type of horse that is specifically trained for the sport of reining. Reining is a western riding competition where riders must guide their horses through a set of prescribed maneuvers.
These maneuvers include spins, circles, stops, and more.
The rider must control the horse throughout the entire routine and the horse must appear to be working willingly with the rider.
Reining is considered to be one of the most difficult equestrian disciplines due to the precision and control required from both the horse and rider.
As a result, reining horses are highly trained and must have a great deal of experience to compete at the highest levels.
Factors that affect the cost of a reining horse
Horse Breed – Bloodline
There are many factors that affect the cost of a reining horse. The most important factor is the horse’s bloodline.
A horse with a famous reining horse sire or dam is going to cost more than a horse with no famous ancestors. Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, and Appaloosas are considered the best and most suitable horse breeds for reining.
Their conformation is ideally suited for the sliding stops, quick spins, and other maneuvers required in the sport.
There are also associations for these three breeds that make them an ideal option.
The American Quarter Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, and Appaloosa Horse Club are the active and most well-known horse breed registries in the United States.
These associations offer many different programs and events for their members, which helps to promote the breeds and the sport of reining.
If you can afford or get any one of these three breeds, you are already on a good path to having a great reining horse. You can also get other breeds you think might do well in reining.
Just make sure they have good qualities of reining horses such as Good conformation, intelligence, Athletic ability, Quick footed, solid body, and a willingness to please their riders.
Horse’s Age
The age of the horse is also a factor that affects its cost. A younger horse will generally cost less than an older trained horse. A horse that is around 2 years old is usually considered to be a good age to start training for reining.
Horse’s Conformation
Conformation is the horse’s physical appearance and structure. A horse with good conformation will generally cost more than a horse with poor conformation.
This is because a horse with good conformation is more likely to be able to perform the maneuvers required in reining.
Horse’s Gender
The gender of the horse is also a factor that affects its cost. A stallion (intact male) will usually cost more than a gelding (castrated male) or mare (female).
This is because stallions have the potential to be used for breeding, and they may require more training to be safe around people.
Horse’s Training
The cost of a horse also depends on how much training it has had. A horse that has been trained to do the basics of reining will generally cost less than a horse that has been trained to do more advanced maneuvers.
Horse’s Show Record
A horse that has been shown and has a good show record will generally cost more than a horse that has not been shown. This is because the horse has proven itself to be a good performer in the sport of reining.
All of these factors – horse breed, age, gender, training, and show record – will affect the cost of a reining horse. These are also the factors that you should consider.
How to know which horse is best for reining?
When it comes to reining, there are a few important things you need to know in order to choose the right horse.
First and foremost, you need to make sure that the horse has the correct conformation. This means that the horse should have a long back, sloping shoulders, and muscular hindquarters.
The horse should also be well-balanced, meaning that the front and back legs are of equal length.
Another important factor to consider is the horse’s temperament.
The ideal reining horse is one that is calm and level-headed, yet still has enough energy to perform the necessary maneuvers. You also want a horse that is willing to please and has a good work ethic.
FAQ’s
How much money do reining horses make?
While there is no set amount of money that reining horses make, many professionals in the industry believe that a good horse can earn its owner around $100,000 a year.
However, it should be noted that this number is not set in stone and will vary depending on the horse’s individual abilities and the owner’s ability to market the horse.
What is the most expensive reining horse ever sold?
The most expensive reining horse ever sold was a stallion named Hollywood Dun It. He was sold for a whopping $750,000 in 2000! While this price is certainly not the norm, it just goes to show how valuable a good reining horse can be.
reining horses for sale
Where to buy reining horses?
There are a few different places where you can buy reining horses.
One option is to find a local breeder in your area. Another option is to look online at websites like ReinerStop.com or All Breed Pedigree. You can also check out horse sales and auctions, although the prices at these events can vary widely.
Conclusion
Choosing the right reining horse can be a daunting task, but it is definitely worth the effort.
There are many factors to consider, but the most important things to keep in mind are the horse’s conformation and temperament.
If you can find a horse that meets these criteria, you will be well on your way to success in the sport of reining. Reining is a great and thrilling sport, but it is not cheap.
So if you’re planning to get into reining, make sure you are prepared to spend some money.
